News

Soap Hub contributing writer Alina Adams has a historical fiction novel, Go On Pretending, coming out on May 1, 2025, set in the world of radio and television soap operas! Travel back in time with heroine Rose Janowitz, who works under Irna Phillips, creator of multiple classic soap operas, including Painted Dreams, The Brighter Day, As the World Turns, Another World, Love is a Many Splendored Thing, and The Guiding Light. (The was dropped from the title in 1975 to sound more modern.)

History Lesson

Gl premiered on radio on January 25, 1937. It made the move to television on June 30, 1952. Their first Thanksgiving episode was that November. Things didn’t go smoothly. What happened, exactly? We’ll let Rose tell you in this excerpt from Go On Pretending…

The Way We Were

Irna’s hands were currently too full with the television broadcast. Not a week went by that Rose didn’t hear about...

A slew of your favorite daytime drama stars, including General Hospital’s (Gh) Cameron Mathison (Drew Cain), Days of Our Lives (Dool) Linsey Godfrey (Sarah Horton), and The Moustache himself, The Young and the Restless’s (Y&r) Eric Braeden (Victor Newman), are coming together to take a stand against cancer!

Daytime Drama Stars Stand Up & Stand Together!

Soap stars have rallied together to participate in a live stream event called “Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit For Stand Up To Cancer … We All Have A Story”, which will take place on Thursday, May 16.

The three-hour online benefit will feature some of daytime drama’s top stars – both present and past – who will share their personal experiences and stories with cancer.

The event will stream from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. (Et) on the respective YouTube channels of both Michael Fairman and Alan Locher (Michael Fairman Channel and The Locher Room).

Alan...

1966: Mia Farrow left Peyton Place.

1979: Calvin had a big day on Edge of Night.

1985: Ryan's Hope's D.J. celebrated her 16th birthday.

2006: Sami and Austin's wedding began."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1966: On Dark Shadows, Bill Malloy (Frank Schofield) set up a meeting with Roger Collins (Louis Edmonds), Burke (Mitchell Ryan) and Sam Evans (David Ford) to settle the manslaughter case once and for all.

1966: Mia Farrow aired for the final time as Allison Mackenzie in Peyton Place.

1974: Christopher Allport...

1975: Mary and Jack shared their first kiss on Ryan's Hope.

1979: The identity of Edge of Night's "Tobias" was revealed.

1979: Guiding Light's Alan bonded with hope on a deserted island.

1995: One Life to Live's Max told hospitalized Luna to hold on."The best prophet of the future is the past."

― Lord Byron

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1967: On Another World, Pat Randolph (Beverly Penberthy) introduced Rachel Davis (Robin Strasser) to her Aunt Liz Matthews (Audra Lindley).

1975: On Ryan's Hope, Mary Ryan (Kate Mulgrew) declined when Bob Reid (Earl Hindman) asked her out, but accepted an invitation from Jack Fenelli (Michael Levin) to join him for coffee.

1966: Dark Shadows' Roger crashed due to a missing bleeder valve.

1985: John Aniston debuted as Victor on Days of our Lives.

1990: General Hospital's Wendy was murdered.

2010: Scott Clifton debuted as Liam on Bold and the Beautiful."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1940: The first episode of radio soap opera The Carters of Elm Street, written by Mona Kent, aired on the Mutual Network.

1966: On Another World, Pat told Alice (Jacqueline Courtney) she thought Lee identified with Hope Bauer (crossed over for a year...

1979: General Hospital's Laura and Scotty were married.

1984: Guiding Light's Bert gave Josh a pep talk.

1985: Santa Barbara's Julia smuggled Amy and Brick onto a train.

2006: All My Children's Annie arrived in Pine Valley."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1952: On The Guiding Light, Trudy (Helen Wagner) and Meta (Jone Allison) discussed Meta's plans to leave New York and return to California. At home, Papa Bauer (Theo Goetz) and Bill (Lyle Sudrow) played chess as Bert (Charita Bauer) prepared the baby's bottle. Papa told Bill...

1976: Ryan's Hope's Delia talked her way around Frank's suspicions.

1999: Passions premiered on NBC.

2001: As the World Turns' Simon found Katie on an island.

2002: Stephanie Gatschet debuted as Tammy on Guiding Light."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1966: On The Guiding Light, Bert Bauer (Charita Bauer) met Leslie Jackson (Lynne Adams).

1966: New head writer William J. Bell's first Days of our Lives script aired. By this point NBC had canceled Ted Corday's other two daytime soaps launched in 1965, Morning Star and Paradise Bay,...

1967: The widows called Dark Shadows' Elizabeth. 1987: Guiding

Light's Lacey & Cam left the Bauer Barbecue via hot air balloon.

2008: Cyndi Lauper visited As the World Turns' Oakdale.

2013: Theresa returned to Days of our Lives' Salem."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1939: Radio soap opera The Man I Married premiered on NBC Radio. Van Heflin starred as Adam Waring.

1967: On Dark Shadows, Elizabeth (Joan Bennett) heard the voices of the widows calling to her.

1969: On Another World, Rachel (Robin Strasser) tried to convince Russ...

1966: Dark Shadows premiered on ABC.

1984: Guiding Light's Bert stood after losing her leg.

1995: One Life to Live's "Tommy" was enraged.

2003: Passions paid homage to the musical "Chicago"."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1952: ABC Radio aired the final episode of Lone Journey after a 12 year run on multiple networks with multiple sponsors.

1955: On The Brighter Day, Lydia Hamilton (Murial Williams) struggled with her conscience after taking a silver clock.

1963: On Ben Jerrod, Agnes (Jeanne Baird) lost her temper for the second time.

1967: Dark Shadows' Elizabeth confessed to murder.

1981: General Hospital's Luke was drugged.

1987: Jess Walton debuted as Jill on The Young and the Restless.

1993: All My Children's Erica married Dimitri."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1956: The final episode of radio soap opera Young Widder Brown aired on NBC Radio, completing a 22-year run. The show's epigraph: "Again we present the moving human drama of a woman's heart and a mother's love -- Young Widder Brown. In the little town of Simpsonville, attractive Ellen Brown,...

1968: Dark Shadows' Adam jumped from Widows' Hill.

1984: Steve and Betsy were married on As the World Turns.

1984: Y&R's Nikki wanted to track down Victor's mother.

1996: "Clink, Boom!" on General Hospital."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1943: Radio soap opera Lora Lawton debuted on NBC Radio. Joan Tompkins starred as Lora, housekeeper to important, dynamic shipbuilder Peter Carver. Lora would later marry Peter. Frank and Anne Hummert produced the series.

1966: On Morning Star, Katy Elliott (Elizabeth Perry), Hank Stover (Warren Remmerling...

1984: All My Children's Jenny wanted a baby.

1989: Another World's Nicole confessed to murder.

2003: Days of our Lives' Lexie gave birth.

2006: The execution of One Life to Live's "Todd" began."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1939: Radio soap opera The Affairs of Anthony debuted on the Blue Network. Henry Hunter starred as Anthony.

1975: On Another World, Alice Frame (Jacqueline Courtney) agreed to let her husband, Steve, be buried in Chadwell.

1980: On Guiding Light, Dr. Ingrid Fisher told Lucille Wexler that...

1967: Barnabas Collins first appeared on Dark Shadows.

1978: Ryan's Hope's Pat was furious with Delia.

1985: Guiding Light's Beth and Lujack made love.

2009: One Life to Live's Talia was murdered."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1942: The final episode of Frank and Anne Hummert's Orphans of Divorce aired on the Blue Network.

1967: On Dark Shadows, Jason confronted Willie (John Karlen) about his suspicious interest in the Collins family history. Victoria told Elizabeth that she was uncomfortable having Willie at Collinwood. Elizabeth agreed, and...

1953: The Guiding Light's Bert pestered her husband, Bill.

1969: Dark Shadows' Barnabas found a strange doll's head.

1987: B&B's Ridge & Caroline revealed their engagement.

1988: General Hospital's Simone had a miscarriage."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1953: On The Guiding Light, Bert Bauer (Charita Bauer) tried to convince her husband, Bill (Lyle Sudrow), he had to spend money to make money.

1955: On Golden Windows, Otto prevented Carl from calling the police.

1955: On The Brighter Day, Reverend Dennis (Blair Davies) told Sharky to...

1953: Love of Life's Vanessa waited for news about Beanie.

1987: Atwt's John pulled Lucinda into a hot tub, then married her.

1987: CBS aired the final episode of Capitol.

1990: General Hospital's Lucy resigned from the hospital."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1942: NBC's Blue Network aired the final episode of radio soap opera John's Other Wife, after a five and a half year run.

1953: On Love of Life, with Beaning (Dennis Parnell) missing, a tense Meg Harper (Jean McBride) complained that her sister,...

1980: Days' Tom & Alice celebrated their 50th anniversary.

1980: A train carrying Edge of Night's Draper derailed.

1983: Search for Tomorrow's Liza shot her father-in-law.

1991: The Young and the Restless' Nina shot David."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1968: On Dark Shadows, Millicent Collins (Nancy Barrett) visited Nathan Forbes and asked him to stay in Collinsport.

1979: On Another World, Jamie Frame (Tim Holcomb) told his mother, Rachel (Victoria Wyndham), he never wanted to see her again.

1980: On Days of our Lives, Tom Horton...

In 1962, legendary soap scribe Agnes Nixon wrote a uterine cancer storyline involving beloved Bert Bauer (Charita Bauer) on “Guiding Light,” prompting many women to visit their doctors and get Pap smears. There were no Daytime Emmys back then to acknowledge Nixon’s tale, but since 1973, the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) has been handing out gold statuettes to producers, writers, actors and other creative personnel for their outstanding work in social-issue stories similar to Nixon’s.

The late Nixon recounted in her 2017 memoir, “My Life to Live,” that she had to battle network execs to tell Bert’s uterine cancer story, but today’s writers appear to be able to tackle pretty much anything and everything.

Last year, “General Hospital,” for example, told tales of gender identity, cults, #MeToo and Alzheimer’s.

“The stories arise from the characters who are primed to be involved in very contemporary conflicts,...

Two legendary actresses died on this day in history:

Charita Bauer (1985) and Mary Stuart (2002)."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1968: On Dark Shadows, Reverend Trask (Jerry Lacy) returned to his room with Victoria's belongings. Suddenly he heard chains rattling outside his room and called out, "Who is it?" He opened the door, but no one was there. He heard a woman's scream and ran back into his room and bolted the door, but he continued to hear the chains. Then Barnabas' voice called out to him, and again he shouted,...

1950: Charita Bauer debuted as Guiding Light's new Bert.

1977: Ryan's Hope's Delia told Pat she was pregnant with his baby.

1986: Days of our Lives' Bo confessed to treason.

1987: Santa Barbara's Richard left a bomb with Cruz."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1950: Charita Bauer assumed the role of Bert Bauer on The Guiding Light radio program (Ann Shepard was the original radio Bert). She would continue to play the character as the show premiered on television two years later and until December 1984, just before her death.

The Guiding Light premiered on NBC Radio on January 25, 1937. Pictured above, the cast in 1937 at the NBC studio in Chicago."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1937: Irna Phillips' The Guiding Light premiered on NBC Radio. The show ran on radio (NBC then CBS) until 1956. In 1952, the series transitioned to CBS-tv, airing both on TV and radio until 1956. The show ran on TV until September 18, 2009, making it the longest running scripted series in broadcast history.

1953: On The Guiding Light, Bert Bauer (Charita Bauer) complained to Papa Bauer...

1980: Miles Cavanagh's condition worsened on The Edge of Night.

1986: Drake Hogestyn debuted as John Black on Days of our Lives.

2000: Passions' Timmy called Dr. Bombay.

2005: As the World Turns' Lucy Montgomery left town."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1953: On The Guiding Light, Bert Bauer (Charita Bauer) became upset after reading the story of Kathy Roberts' arrest in the morning paper. Papa Bauer (Theo Goetz) told her not to jump to conclusions about what happen, and that this was no time to selfishly...

1962: Our Five Daughters premiered on NBC.

1968: Dark Shadows' Angelique dug her way of Jeremiah's grave.

1980: Barbara hid a big secret on As the World Turns.

2004: Rebecca and Julian were married on Passions."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1959: CBS Radio aired the final episode of Bakcstage Wife, the story of Mary Noble, a girl from a small town in Iowa who came to New York seeking her future. The show was created by Frank and Anne Hummert and premiered August 5, 1935 on the Mutual Broadcasting System.

1964: Another World's Pat murdered Tom Baxter.

1967: Dark Shadows' Barnabas charmed Julia.

1995: Loving's Neil proposed to Kate.

2004: Gh's Jason begged Sam to live after they lost their baby."The best prophet of the future is the past."

― Lord Byron

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1962: Joseph Allen, who played roles in CBS soap operas Love of Life (Miles Pardee) and The Edge of Night, died at age 44.

1964: On Another World, Frank Andrews (Peter Brandon) arrived home and found Pat Matthews (Susan Trustman) standing over the dead body of his roommate, Tom Baxter (Nicholas Pryor).

1965: On Days of our Lives second episode, Marie Horton...

1966: Mia Farrow left Peyton Place.

1979: Calvin had a big day on Edge of Night.

1985: Ryan's Hope's D.J. celebrated her 16th birthday.

2006: Sami and Austin's wedding began."The best prophet of the future is the past."

― Lord Byron

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1966: On Dark Shadows, Bill Malloy (Frank Schofield) set up a meeting with Roger Collins (Louis Edmonds), Burke (Mitchell Ryan) and Sam Evans (David Ford) to settle the manslaughter case once and for all.

1966: Mia Farrow aired for the final time as Allison Mackenzie in Peyton Place.

1974: Christopher Allport aired for the last time as Tim McGowan in Another World.

1975: Mary and Jack shared their first kiss on Ryan's Hope.

1979: The identity of Edge of Night's "Tobias" was revealed.

1979: Guiding Light's Alan bonded with hope on a deserted island.

1995: One Life to Live's Max told hospitalized Luna to hold on."The best prophet of the future is the past."

― Lord Byron

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1967: On Another World, Pat Randolph (Beverly Penberthy) introduced Rachel Davis (Robin Strasser) to her Aunt Liz Matthews (Audra Lindley).

1975: On Ryan's Hope, Mary Ryan (Kate Mulgrew) declined when Bob Reid (Earl Hindman) asked her out, but accepted an invitation from Jack Fenelli (Michael Levin) to join him for coffee.

1966: Dark Shadows' Roger crashed due to a missing bleeder valve.

1985: John Aniston debuted as Victor on Days of our Lives.

1990: General Hospital's Wendy was murdered.

2010: Scott Clifton debuted as Liam on Bold and the Beautiful."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."

― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1940: The first episode of radio soap opera The Carters of Elm Street, written by Mona Kent, aired on the Mutual Network.

1966: On Another World,...

1979: General Hospital's Laura and Scotty were married.

1984: Guiding Light's Bert gave Josh a pep talk.

1985: Santa Barbara's Julia smuggled Amy and Brick onto a train.

2006: All My Children's Annie arrived in Pine Valley."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."

― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1952: On The Guiding Light, Trudy (Helen Wagner) and Meta (Jone Allison) discussed Meta's plans to leave New York and return to California. At home, Papa...

1967: The widows called Dark Shadows' Elizabeth. 1987: Guiding

Light's Lacey & Cam left the Bauer Barbecue via hot air balloon.

2008: Cyndi Lauper visited As the World Turns' Oakdale.

2013: Theresa returned to Days of our Lives' Salem."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."

― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1939: Radio soap opera The Man I Married premiered on NBC Radio. Van Heflin starred as Adam Waring.

1967: On Dark Shadows, Elizabeth (Joan Bennett...

1976: Ryan's Hope's Delia talked her way around Frank's suspicions.

1999: Passions premiered on NBC.

2001: As the World Turns' Simon found Katie on an island.

2002: Stephanie Gatschet debuted as Tammy on Guiding Light."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."

― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1966: On The Guiding Light, Bert Bauer (Charita Bauer) met Leslie Jackson (Lynne Adams).

1966: New head writer William J. Bell's first Days of our Lives script aired.

1952: The Guiding Light premiered on CBS television

after 15 years on the radio."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."

― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1952: Popular CBS radio soap opera The Guiding Light, on the air since 1937 (originally on NBC Radio), made its television debut on CBS-tv. The original television cast included Theo Goetz, Jone Allison, Lyle Sudrow, Charita Bauer and Helen Wagner. In the episode, Meta lamented to her sister Trudy that she...

1966: Dark Shadows premiered on ABC.

1984: Guiding Light's Bert stood after losing her leg.

1995: One Life to Live's "Tommy" was enraged.

2003: Passions paid homage to the musical Chicago."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."

― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1952: ABC Radio aired the final episode of Lone Journey after a 12 year run on multiple networks with multiple sponsors.

1955: On The Brighter Day, Lydia Hamilton (Murial Williams) struggled...

1967: Dark Shadows' Elizabeth confessed to murder.

1981: General Hospital's Luke was drugged.

1987: Jess Walton debuted as Jill on The Young and the Restless.

1993: All My Children's Erica married Dimitri."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."

― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1956: The final episode of radio soap opera Young Widder Brown aired on NBC Radio, completing a 22-year run. The show's epigraph: "Again we present the moving human drama...

1968: Dark Shadows' Adam jumped from Widows' Hill.

1984: Steve and Betsy were married on As the World Turns.

1984: Y&R's Nikki wanted to track down Victor's mother.

1996: "Clink, Boom!" on General Hospital."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."

― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1943: Radio soap opera Lora Lawton debuted on NBC Radio. Joan Tompkins starred as Lora, housekeeper to important, dynamic shipbuilder Peter Carver. Lora would later marry Peter.

1984: All My Children's Jenny wanted a baby.

1989: Another World's Nicole confessed to murder.

2003: Days of our Lives' Lexie gave birth.

2006: The execution of One Life to Live's "Todd" began."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."

― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1939: Radio soap opera The Affairs of Anthony debuted on the Blue Network. Henry Hunter starred as Anthony.

1975: On Another World, Alice Frame (Jacqueline Courtney) agreed to let her husband,...

1967: Barnabas Collins first appeared on Dark Shadows.

1978: Ryan's Hope's Pat was furious with Delia.

1985: Guiding Light's Beth and Lujack made love.

2009: One Life to Live's Talia was murdered."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."

― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1942: The final episode of Frank and Anne Hummert's Orphans of Divorce aired on the Blue Network.

1967: On Dark Shadows, Jason confronted Willie (John Karlen) about his suspicious interest in the Collins family history.

1953: The Guiding Light's Bert pestered her husband, Bill.

1969: Dark Shadows' Barnabas found a strange doll's head.

1987: B&B's Ridge & Caroline revealed their engagement.

1988: General Hospital's Simone had a miscarriage."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."

― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1953: On The Guiding Light, Bert Bauer (Charita Bauer) tried to convince her husband, Bill (Lyle Sudrow), he had to spend money to make money.

1955: On Golden Windows,...

1953: Love of Life's Vaness waited for news about Beanie.

1987: Atwt's John pulled Lucinda into a hot tub, then married her.

1987: CBS aired the final episode of Capitol.

1990: General Hospital's Lucy resigned from the hospital."Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results."

― Machiavelli

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1942: NBC's Blue Network aired the final episode of radio soap opera John's Other Wife,...

1980: Days' Tom & Alice celebrated their 50th anniversary.

1980: A train carrying Edge of Night's Draper derailed.

1983: Search for Tomorrow's Liza shot her father-in-law.

1991: The Young and the Restless' Nina shot David."Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results."

― Machiavelli

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1968: On Dark Shadows, Millicent Collins (Nancy Barrett) visited Nathan Forbes and asked him to stay in Collinsport.

Two legendary actresses died on this day in history:

Charita Bauer (1985) and Mary Stuart (2002)."Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results."

― Machiavelli

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1968: On Dark Shadows, Reverend Trask (Jerry Lacy) returned to his room with Victoria's belongings. Suddenly he heard chains rattling outside his room and called out, "Who is it?" He opened the door, but no one was there.

1982: Gh's Luke ran into his old friend, Johnny.

1983: Knots Landings' Ciji was found dead.

1987: Ryan's Hope's Max Dubujak fell to his "death".

1998: Aw's Shane Roberts died following a car crash."Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results."

― Machiavelli

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1953: On The Guiding Light, Bert Bauer (Charita Bauer) told her father-in-law, Papa Bauer (Theo Goetz...

1950: Charita Bauer debuted as Guiding Light's new Bert.

1977: Ryan's Hope's Delia told Pat she was pregnant with his baby.

1986: Days of our Lives' Bo confessed to treason.

1987: Santa Barbara's Richard left a bomb with Cruz."Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results."

― Machiavelli

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1950: Charita Bauer assumed the role of Bert Bauer on The...

The Guiding Light premiered on NBC radio on January 25, 1937.

The show ended its run on CBS TV on September 18, 2009."Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results."

― Machiavelli

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1937: Irna Phillips' The Guiding Light premiered on NBC Radio. The show ran on radio (NBC then CBS) until 1956. In 1952, the series transitioned to CBS-tv, airing both on TV and radio until...

1980: Miles's condition worsened on The Edge of Night.

1986: Drake Hogestyn debuted as John Black on Days of our Lives.

2000: Passions' Timmy called Dr. Bombay.

2005: As the World Turns' Lucy left town."Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results."

― Machiavelli

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1953: On The Guiding Light, Bert Bauer (Charita Bauer) became upset after reading the story of Kathy Roberts...

1962: Our Five Daughters premiered on NBC.

1968: Dark Shadows' Angelique dug her way of Jeremiah's grave.

1980: Atwt's Barbara was keeping a big secret.

2004: Rebecca and Julian were married on Passions."History is a vast early warning system."

― Norman Cousins

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1959: CBS Radio aired the final episode of Bakcstage Wife, the story of Mary Noble, a girl from a small town in Iowa who came to New York seeking her future. The show was created by Frank and Anne Hummert and premiered August 5, 1935 on the Mutual Broadcasting System. Claire Niesen played the role of Mary from the early 1940s until the end of its run.

A couple of weeks ago at the Daytime Emmy Awards, there was a special tribute to Guiding Light, ending its 72 year run (on radio starting in 1937, TV since 1952) next Friday. Due to time, the network couldn't show the entire tribute video from the ceremony. Here it is.

I think there's too much emphasis on recent characters, but that's just an old fogey talking I guess, and there are some great classic scenes too (for a fan, this video could be an hour long and we wouldn't complain). I love that they included Charita Bauer and Chris Bernau, the original (and best) Alan Spaulding.

[via examiner.com] 

Filed under: Daytime, Video, Awards, Emmys, Reality-Free

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